Summer Doldrums

Well....Taylor leaves next Monday to go to Guatemala! He's done well at the CCM/MTC! I believe his Spanish is coming along nicely.

The weather has been H O T! I haven't enjoyed the summer as much because of the heat!

I've been able to see all of my grandchildren at some point this summer and some more than others. It's been nice. I wish I could get away to visit my children/grandchildren.

Cameron is living with me now and he has been obedient and helping me out with some rent!

I've been able to visit my mom a little more and spend some quality time with her.

I've been looking at positive affirmations and I really like this one. I hope everyone has a great day!



In the Spotlight!

June 13, 2013, was not only the 54th anniversary of my birth but also Hailie Rose's first dance recital! She's been taking a dance class and enjoying it very much. Now comes the finale!

Here she is after Mom finished with her make-up. She seems up to the challenge.

I met Adam at Murray High School. We went into the auditorium and watched about 30 short dances by all ages of girls and even some boys. Now comes the moment of truth. Hailie walked out with 3 other little girls in the cutest ladybug costumes. Then her hands come up and cover her eyes! Once she put her hands down but shut her eyes! Too soon the dance is over and she runs off the stage without having done one dance movement. :(

Here she is right after. She said,"There was too much people!"

Adam admitted his children tend to be shy.

This one is a little better. You've got to give Hailie credit for trying and because she's so cute, we don't really care!  Good job, Honey!

Letting Go...

Have to say that June 12, 2013 will go down in history as a day of mixed emotions! Dropping my son, Taylor, off at a curb has never been a wish of mine but in this case I was willing because of the reasons behind it.

From the beginning, receiving the mission call, going to the temple, buying all of the needed items, Taylor has been, as always, a trooper! Except for his suits, I think he purchased all of the things he took with him. His brother-in-law Ben, lent him the suitcases so that was very helpful!

I'm so glad that Taylor loves the temple and for a good friend, Michael McBride, in our ward, who took him 4 extra times to the temple before he left. Taylor wanted a man to go with him so they could sit together and he could help Taylor. My son was so happy!

It makes me so proud and humbles me that Taylor is such a mature and thoughtful young man! He was really ready to go!

Even though I couldn't give my son the perfect family life, he has adjusted well and proven to me and others how resilient he really is!

It was also very nice to spend time with my children. First David's family joined us for the temple experience and spent a few days with us. Then the rest of my children were available to share time last Sunday, the 9th. They traveled to be with us and that means so very much!

Taylor has wonderful siblings and I love them so much!

Taylor will do a great work in Guatemala and the whole of his life!

I LOVE YOU SON!

MOM

When it Rains It Pours!! -- But There is Always the Promise of a Rainbow!

I don't like to complain but these past few months have been terrible for me in the financial realm! First my car breaks down but thankfully after a new battery, fuel pump, fuel filter, alternator and sway bars, the real problem was solved by an amazing mechanic at Neils Pro Auto in Rose Park in Salt Lake City, Utah!!!

Then I lost my child support. I knew the day was coming and I was actively looking for more work and campaigning for a raise (which I received, although very small) but no evening work in sight. However, I promised that I would accept and try to do anything extra I could so I have worked a viewing and played the piano at a service this month. Every little bit helps.

Well, Saturday, my washer wouldn't spin the water out. I called a repairman but they couldn't come until today and guess what...DRUM ROLL PLEASE...the motor needs to be replaced at the tune of $280.00. The dryer needs a new bearing for $100.00. Ok---I'm finished with this!!! I have given up basic cable, put my car on liability only and am cutting back in every area I can without living on the street. I am getting close to refinancing my condo for a lower interest rate and payment.

I guess the silver lining (which I am determined to see) is that my brother Frank can get me a GREAT deal on a set of new stackables and (this is a great wish) I hope that when the machines finish their cycles, they will sing a tune like Adam and Jessica's new machines instead of making an annoying BUZZ!

I am continually grateful for all that I have. Taylor has done some recent repairs in our house with his own money and I am very grateful for him and his awareness of the needs I face and my inability to take care of them myself. What a great Kid! I'm also grateful that Adam and Jessica are allowing me to use their washer and dryer until my new ones arrive. Can't wait to hear that little song tonight!!! You know where I'll be!

Baby #2 - Grandchild #7

It's always amazing when you see these photos and realize this baby is only an inch long. Isn't is wonderful? This child is already loved and anticipated. David and Ashley will welcome this new one in mid-December. Luke will be a wonderful big brother! I'm so happy for them (and the rest of us) who will get to love and nurture this baby.

Car Update

Car fixed. Neils Pro Auto in Rose Park---the best! They listened to me!

Challenges

Once again I find myself in an uphill battle to provide financially for my needs. I am exercising faith and working to find more resources and am willing to do the things that I need to that this blessing will come to pass. My life has not been easy and I know I have much yet to learn and I will learn it, if it is the end of me.

I must say that I am blessed immensely. I am counting my blessings all the time because they help me remember that my Heavenly Father has not forgotten me. My life has not been what I had hoped in the way of family. I had hoped to marry and stay married to same man all of my life and we would grow old together, loving our children and grandchildren. But that has not been my lot. However, because I was married I do have 7 wonderful children and they have given and continue to give me much joy. I am amazed at their abilities, talents confidence in themselves. They are moving forward by leaps and bounds and I am so humbled to be their mother. I have 6 beautiful grandchildren that heal my wounds as I kiss and hug them and watch them grow. I love hearing the sweet things they say. I love them so much.

I have a beautiful mother who reminds me that I can do things that challenge me. She gives me encouragement even in the face of her own struggles. I am so appreciative of her and the gift of her life in my life. She is truly a wonderful woman.

I have dear brothers and sisters who continue to support me with their prayers and faith. They have all struggled but seem to pick themselves up each time and go forward. I am especially grateful for Frank. I know that I can call him anytime and he will take the time to listen and make me laugh. I am so grateful for him.

I never thought I would admit to this, but I am thankful for my calling to lead the choir. I have been blessed so many times to choose the appropriate song for the day and have learned to love these dear, faithful choir members and my wonderful organist, Yvonne Halliday. It is not easy for me to fulfill this calling but I am very grateful for this opportunity to learn and to stretch myself.

I have not been fortunate to always work in the same company. I loved FranklinCovey and worked there for 7 years before layoffs took place. I don't know why I was chosen as one of those who was let go but ever since then it has been difficult to make ends meet. I don't have a lot of worldly goods but I can make better use of them and now, being forced to do it, I will. But I have faith that the Lord has a plan for me and I must go into the darkness to find what it is that I should be doing. I know He is watching over me.

I am thankful for the scriptures and the words of living prophets. I need to rely more on them and trust them.

I am thankful for temples. I need to go more often and learn more there.

I don't know why but it always seems that difficult struggles come in groups. They just can't seem to come one by one. I am hopeful that today the latest mechanic can resolve the issue with my car so I can drive it without worrying that it will die on me. I cannot buy a new car. I must have it in working order and the repairs must not cost very much. I know Heavenly Father will bless me.

I've lost a significant portion of my income and my second job is now becoming sporatic so I am seeking other avenues of financial support. I know the Lord hears my cries and will answer my prayers. I pray I can have the faith to do the things He requires of me.

I am not an educated person but I am willing to work for the things that I must have to survive. I pray that I will be strong enough to do them.